COMBAT PTSD, TRAUMA, DEPRESSION, and ANXIETY               

Post-traumatic stress, trauma, chronic depression, and anxiety are HIGHLY RESISTANT TO CHANGE.  Depression, in particular, is extremely resistant to treatment, yet, through a combination of psychotherapy, hypnosis, vitamins, herbs, and education, all of my chronically depressed clients have conquered their depression. 

      If you, or someone you know, suffers from chronic depression or anxiety, call me.  Counseling and/or hypnosis may open up a brighter future.  

           In and of itself, psychotherapy can be very beneficial in treating PTSD, trauma, depression, and anxiety.  In the skilled hands of an experienced therapist, a client can reasonably expect to have a good future.  However, if the problem is bio-chemical (and of course, it will be after months and years of living with depression), and we do not address the bio-chemical changes in the body, then conducting psychotherapy alone is a lot like pushing back the ocean with a Dixie cup. 

          Just for the record, I am not a major fan of anti-depressants: too many side-effects, too expensive, and, frankly, prescribing is a process of trial and error. I am happy to provide you with information regarding respected natural ways of dealing with the bio-chemical after-effects of depression and trauma.  However, if you want an anti-depressant, a mood-elevating drug, or something for anxiety, you will need to see an M.D., which includes internists, psychiatrists, and your friendly primary care physician.          

          Marriage & Family Therapists cannot write drug prescriptions in the state of California, nor are we allowed to practice medicine, however, we can, and are expected to educate, to provide resources, and to recommend referrals.  With that in mind, if you would like a copy of an educational document that I give clients, entitled BIOLOGICAL CAUSES OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, please email me at                                                                   

          We do not have to use hypnosis, if you are not comfortable with doing so.  Just let me say that combining psychotherapy with hypnosis can be VERY effective because  (for lack of a better way to say this) it "microwaves" our work and, frankly, works like glue to "stick" the new messages into your subconscious and unconscious minds.  To put is simply, hypnosis can help you, or someone you love, to look at life through fresh eyes.                  

HYPNOSIS HAS BEEN PROVEN EFFECTIVE IN TREATING AND MANAGING:

• Attitude and mood   
• Chronic depression
• Spiritual pain or loss
• Chronic pain, surgical pain, dental and surgery preparation 
• High blood pressure, diabetes, and other medical conditions 
• Anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorders, and phobias
• Longterm, unresolved grief, bereavement, and loss issues
• Bed-wetting  (children and adults)
• Sexual dysfunction
• Performance anxiety (sports, entertainment, public speaking) 
• Weight loss (snacking and over-eating)
• Smoking cessation
• Drug and alcohol cravings       
• Self-esteem and self-image issues
• Body image issues 
• Memory  

                                         
            "I believe no condition is out of bounds for trying hypnotherapy on." 
                                                   Andrew Weil, M.D.

      Hypnosis is NOT psychological therapy, aka psychotherapy, psychological counseling, psychoanalysis, etc.  Despite what others might have told you, the word therapy is reserved for the specialized techniques used to assist persons with complicated psychological issues. 

      The National Guild of Hypnotists and the State of California are very clear on the following point: a hypnotherapist is a licensed therapist (e.g., Clinical Psychologist, MFT, LCSW) who also does hypnosis---the implication being that therapy is being conducted in the form of hypnosis.  I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Lic #47627), therefore, I am properly called a Certified Consulting Hypnotist by the National Guild of Hypnotists and am legally allowed to be called a hypnotherapist. 

      In addition to being a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, I am a Certified Thanatologist and an ordained interfaith minister, and I use counseling, psychoeducation, hypnosis (when requested and appropriate), and/or spiritual counseling to bring peace to psychological or spiritual issues. 

                           ____________________________________________
                                       Change your attitude, change your life. 

Gwen A. Finestone, MFT, PhD             (714) 658-7488                     DrGwenF@yahoo.com

http://DrGwenF.blogspot.com